Argentina beats Mexico by 2-0

Doha, The Gulf Observer: Argentina needed a response against Mexico on Saturday in their second World Cup group stage match after losing to Saudi Arabia in their opener. It came late, but they got it. In a game that was 0-0 at the break, second-half goals from Lionel Messi and young star Enzo Fernandez carried Lionel Scaloni’s team to a crucial 2-0 victory. 

The win puts Argentina in position to advance to the round of 16 with a win against Poland, though a draw could be enough if the Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia game plays out in their favor.

It was a slow match that lacked attacking creativity, but Argentina got their winner from Messi out of nowhere, drilling home a pass from Angel Di Maria in the 64th minute. Fernandez, who has come alive this season at Benfica, scored a spectacular second with a curling goal three minutes from time. It was his first ever goal with the national team in what was his fifth appearance. 

This result leaves Argentina on three points. Poland lead Group C with four, Saudi Arabia have three and Mexico have one. Argentina are in second place in the group thanks to goal differential.